Diabetes is a disorder that affects
more and more people each year, and causes alterations
in their lifestyles. If diabetes goes untreated it can
often lead to numbness of feet, loss of eyesight, nerve
damage and even death. In order to control their
condition, diabetics often must take insulin injections
twice daily and monitor their blood sugar levels
closely. Within the past few years some promising
alternative treatments are being developed, which boast
of eliminating insulin injections, and easing the burden
for caregivers of diabetics in the process. New
technology such as stem cell therapy and inhaled insulin
are proposed viable alternatives that when approved will
drastically change the management of diabetes for the
better.

Stem cell therapy is still in its development stage, but
the clinical evidence has provided some proof to the
theory that using viable stem cells and injecting them
with proteins can in fact trigger an insulin response.
While these studies have yet to be tested on humans, the
belief is that within 5 years, diabetes can be
controlled and in some cases totally alleviated. The key
is whether or not these stem cells are able to recognize
glucose-binding sites within cells and allow for an
insulin response. This could take a huge burden off of
diabetics and the caregivers, for it would mean no more
injections, and fewer chances for high and low blood
sugar reactions. Despite opposition from reputable
companies and foundations, research has recently found
an adult stem cell that could in fact promote insulin
production in the body immediately upon binding to
glucose. Research will continue and although still a few
years from implementation, this form of treatment could
be the answer diabeticís need.

Inhaled insulin is a treatment that allows insulin to be
administered by breathing in of a dry powdered form of
the drug using an apparatus similar to an asthma
inhaler. This insulin goes directly into the lungs, and
then is distributed into the bloodstream. A few concerns
exist with this recent advancement, including
maintaining accuracy of the amount of insulin inhaled
each time, and possible problems if used when smoking or
if the person has a cold or other respiratory infection
which can throw off the insulinís effect. In clinical
trials, an over 80% success rate was seen in Type 1
diabetics, and it was found that blood sugars remained
consistent compared to injected insulin. While this form
of technology is still working out the kinks, again the
user and caregiver could benefit from a reliable,
convenient source of insulin that can be carried
anywhere.

Most diabetics today choose the form of treatment they
feel works best for them, but if convenience and the
possible cure for diabetes are possible, these
treatments may be the treatments of choice in the
future. Caregivers and diabetics should not rejoice just
yet, but they should be encouraged for the future of
diabetes. With the right diet and lifestyle now,
diabetics have promising news to look towards, and in
the end they could reap the benefits of no more
injections!